I was actually looking for a Tacoma for several months, but a 2005 double cab Tundra popped up on Craigslist and was too cheap to pass up. Turns out I actually like this thing better, and now I want it to last.
Here's the deal; it's at 175,000 miles, and the engine and transmission are great, but the truck was from Maine originally, and the body and bottom of the truck are rusty. It's got the new frame from the recall, and that looks good, and the rear diff was swapped recently, so that's also in better shape. The body has cosmetic issues, and there's heavy surface rust on everything else in the drivetrain. I'm currently wondering what I can do to prevent further rusting and wear, especially given that I don't know the maintenance history. Ideally I'd like to just fix it when it breaks, but if I can prevent expensive issues before they happen, and running it into an early grave, I'll do whatever's needed.
Currently, I'm going to get an alignment since that hasn't been done since the rear diff swap, and I'm thinking about full fluid swaps (engine oil, front and rear diff, transfer case, maybe the coolant, ATF, brakes and power steering). I'll probably do some other engine stuff like plugs and wires too. Given the rust, should I consider preparing to need replacing any suspension or exhaust stuff? What else is there to consider? How much is overkill here? Also, I'm new to the Tundra forums, so where can I find the maintenance/repair manuals, or some other source for that stuff?
Here's the deal; it's at 175,000 miles, and the engine and transmission are great, but the truck was from Maine originally, and the body and bottom of the truck are rusty. It's got the new frame from the recall, and that looks good, and the rear diff was swapped recently, so that's also in better shape. The body has cosmetic issues, and there's heavy surface rust on everything else in the drivetrain. I'm currently wondering what I can do to prevent further rusting and wear, especially given that I don't know the maintenance history. Ideally I'd like to just fix it when it breaks, but if I can prevent expensive issues before they happen, and running it into an early grave, I'll do whatever's needed.
Currently, I'm going to get an alignment since that hasn't been done since the rear diff swap, and I'm thinking about full fluid swaps (engine oil, front and rear diff, transfer case, maybe the coolant, ATF, brakes and power steering). I'll probably do some other engine stuff like plugs and wires too. Given the rust, should I consider preparing to need replacing any suspension or exhaust stuff? What else is there to consider? How much is overkill here? Also, I'm new to the Tundra forums, so where can I find the maintenance/repair manuals, or some other source for that stuff?
